Brian Lewerke showing progress but still limited in practice

Posted Oct 31, 2018

Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) looks on during the second quarter of their Big Ten football game against Michigan at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 20, 2018. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

EAST LANSING - It's still unclear if Brian Lewerke will be under center this week.

However, the Michigan State starting quarterback is showing progress while dealing with an injured right throwing shoulder.

"This was the best Tuesday of the last three weeks as far as what he did yesterday and what he's capable of doing," quarterbacks coach Brad Salem said Wednesday afternoon of Lewerke's practice performance the day before.

Lewerke wasn't made available to speak with reporters following practice Tuesday to discuss his status as the Spartans (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) prepare to play at Maryland (5-3, 3-2) on Saturday (noon, ESPN2). However, the coaching staff apparently needs to hold him back from trying to do too much.

"It happened yesterday," Salem said. "You're trying to do a pitch count a little bit with him and he wants to get in and get the reps just to get back into rhythm. We'll just kind of play it out through the week."

Lewerke had a streak of 20 consecutive starts snapped last week as redshirt freshman Rocky Lombardi led Michigan State to a 23-13 win against Purdue in his first start. He finished 26-for-46 passing for 318 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

"You're always waiting for proof," Salem said. "You have an idea what you think through scrimmages, through a year-and-a-half of scout team and different opportunities but until you see game reps - how does a guy really manage that? Rocky did a good job of just being calm, knowing where to go with the football, prepared himself well and he really played very well."

Lewerke suffered the injury in an Oct. 13 win at Penn State and struggled the following week while playing through it in a loss to Michigan before Lombardi took over late. The redshirt freshman entered the season as the backup and prepared like he would start every week, but Salem noticed a difference after Lewerke was injured.

"I think the sense of urgency becomes real," Salem said. "You know, you're a snap away. I think he did everything he could to prepare, played with confidence, threw the ball very well both those weeks."

Lewerke took over as the fulltime starter last season and led the team to a resurgent 10-3 record while taking arguably every meaningful snap. Last week he spent the game wearing a headset on the sideline, except when he came in to fulfill his duties as the holder.

"I think the game slows down so much and he's signaling in and we're kind of sharing that with all of us that do that - just being able to see something and then comment to Rocky when we come together in between series or even if he's off on the sideline," Salem said of Lewerke's role last week. "I think there's a real comfort there with those two guys and Brian able to kind of share something maybe that we're not just because he's stood in the position and understands what he's thinking in a certain situation."

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said the quarterback situation is "a good problem" to have. Following practice Tuesday, Lombardi said Lewerke is one of his best friends and has helped him on and off the field.

"We've been very, very blessed that that room, the quarterback room, are kids that care about each other," Salem said. "They compete against each other but they're there to help each other and you saw that there on Saturday with Brian, with Rocky, like you did Tyler (O'Connor) and Damion (Terry) and Connor (Cook) in that situation. The positive is you've got obviously two quarterbacks that can win games."